Sunderland 1-2 Man United – Highlights, Moyes Comments And Statistics

Featured Stories

Sunderland v Man United –

Final Score /Result: Sun 1-2 Man United

Man Of The Match: Adnan Januzaj

Manchester United and David Moyes came into this game under the pressure to perform after suffering from two consecutive defeats in the league against Man City and West Brom. They started the day in the bottom half of the table, but managed to climb up to 9th in the standings with a crucial win over Sunderland.

Sunderland, who were as desperate for a positive result as United, started the match brightly and took the game to the reigning Premier League champions. The pressed hard and high up the pitch and induced an error from Phil Jones and Vidic in the 5th minute of the game. The United defence failed to clear the ball and gifted it to Craig Gardner in the box, who finished it beautifully past De Gea to give the home side an unlikely lead.

Sunderland create a fair number of openings in that half as Giaccherini proved to be a handful for United’s defence. The 28-year-old was close to doubling the lead, only for De Gea to produce an amazing save from his header. That turned out to be a crucial moment in the match at the end.

United came out with more purpose in the second half and Adnan Januzaj equalized just 10 minutes after the restart with good finish. Incredibly just six minutes later the 18-year-old scored, what proved to be the winner at the end, with a sweet volley. It might stand out as the match where the young Belgian announced himself to the world. In the end United won the match 2-1 courtesy of that brace from Januzaj. It wasn’t the best performance, but this result will help in restoring a lot of belief back into the squad and perhaps most importantly the fans.

David Moyes was full of praises for the Adnan Januzaj and hopes he can realise his potential.

“I remember giving Wayne his debut, and Ross Barkley, and Adnan is certainly that quality. He is a top, top player.

“My plan was to play him three or four weeks ago but I never quite got the opportunity and for different reasons I didn’t pick him, and I thought today was the right time.

“He has been so good, it was hard to stop him.

“He is going to be a special talent. He has got goals, he has got ability on the ball, but we will keep his feet on the ground here.” – The Manchester United manager said.

Moyes also seemed confident that United will be able to retain him despite him being in the last year of his contract.

“I am not too worried about that. I think every young boy wants to play at Manchester United, I have always thought that.” – Moyes said.

The former Everton manager was also thankful towards David De Gea for his wonderful save in the first half, which kept them in the game.

“It was an incredible save. I said to him at half-time that had kept us in the game.

“We made a real hash of the first goal we gave away but apart from that I thought we played some really good stuff today.” – Moyes added.

Sunderland v Man United – Statistics

Adnan Januzaj was a constant thread down the wings and the above heat map shows his movement and positioning on the pitch. The 18-year-old virtually won this match for United with his individual brilliance and two wonderful goals. He is one for the future and perhaps the one United need presently as well.